Sometimes a Five Star rating is suspect -- a friend, an employee or other person providing a fake review to boost ratings that might otherwise be in the drain. Not here.
I needed a hot water heater installed and researched the local Denver area directory for plumbers. I looked at Yelp reviews, at Google, HomeAdvisor and anything else. Reviews are all over the map for the various plumbing contractors who install water heaters. I called a few, and while most were professional (and some never got back with quotes or had an issue with me when I asked about rates, mark ups, permit fees and so on...as if I need to simply accept their estimates as final), I thought the rates were over-the-top.
Basically, I'd already purchased a hot water heater from Home Depot and needed it swapped out with the failing unit I've had for 12 years. One local plumbing outfit got upset when I asked about permit fees ($50 in Denver, I believe) and making sure everything was legit for the city inspector. Turns out this guy marked up pulling the permit to $250, saying it takes time to go get the permits, etc. Well, licensed contractors pull permits from the city on-line. When I called this out, the guy went into a shpeal about having salaries and taxes to pay...the normal costs of any business. So...
Enter WHE, Water Heater Experts. Owner Alex was out of the gates in minutes after I submitted a query on Home Advisor. He was actually on a job but took a few minutes to provide a ball park estimate, which was $300 less than the others I'd spoken with. Later, when he'd finished the day's project, he got back and went over EVERYTHING that could possibly affect the charges.
He went over the basic labor costs, then potential part upgrades since the city has modified the codes the past few years that require additional parts. I knew the lower and upper end cost range, and his candor and eagerness to answer my questions sold me.
Alex and Issaid came out the next day as scheduled and it all went smoothly. No surprises at all. Alex said to meet the revised code I'd need an expander and three new flexible lines for the water and gas. When completed, WHE was spot on within their estimate -- again, a good $300 less than the other figures I was receiving from competitors.
I highly recommend WHE for hot water heater replacement and installation. The installation looks wonderful, performs like it should and they scoured the work space so there was no trash or debris whatsoever. And I totally appreciate the company's casual attitude that doesn't include pressure to upsell. Alex tells it like it is and goes over the options. Thanks!